French cooking vacations: Provence and Burgundy - Best of Both

Provence and Burgundy: Best of Both - NEW
Moissac-Bellevue (Var, Provence); Crèches-sur-Saône (Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne)

About the location: The Var area of Provence is one of our favorites, a verdant and dramatic landscape offering forrests, seaside, mountains and of course vineyards. In the heart of the Var lies the Verdon Nature Park, the setting of the lovely Bastide du Calalou. This charming hotel is warm and convivial, tastefully decorated with antiques and family heirlooms. The hotel boasts of lovely gardens, a pool, inviting common areas and spectacular views. Each of the 32 rooms and suites feature all the expected comforts, such as telephones, satellite TV, room safes, minibars, and elegant marble bathrooms. The cuisine is authentic of the Var: fresh seasonal ingredients and centuries-old traditions. In addition to the parklands, vineyard, and olive groves that the area provides, you can explore the lovely villages of Tourtour and Moustiers-Ste-Marie, the medieval Cistercian abbey of Thoronet, the “Gorges du Verdon” (the Verdon river canyon), or the perched towns of the Haut Var, to name a few.

Your home in Burgundy will be the lovely Chateau de la Barge. Located between the the Macon and Beaujolais mountains and in the heart of the Macon vineyards, the chateau dates back to the 17th-century yet offers modern conveniences. Your host Patrick will invite you into his family home where you enjoy modern comfort, age-old elegance, and gastronomic delights. Each of the 25 rooms or suites feature lovely views, king-size beds, flat screen satellite TVs, WiFi, safe, minibar and comfortable bathrooms. Lovely grounds, a heated pool and elegant restaurant round out the experience. The location provides a perfect starting point for exploring the gems of the area: the stunning Solutre Rock, the villages of the Mâcon-Beaujolais wine route, the Roman churches of Cluny and Tournus, or the Pierreclos castle.

About the lesson: Your cooking lesson in Burgundy will be with either Chef Frantz Alexandre or Chef Richard Vazou of the Château de la Barge. Their imagination and expertise will introduce you to the amazing culinary traditions of this region. Some of the dishes you might savor: foie gras, sweetbreads, carpaccio of scallops, risotto with lobster, frog legs, fillet of Charolais beef, Bresse chicken and an array of beautiful homemade desserts including the famous Mâconnaise wafers.

Provence and Burgundy: Best of Both - NEW Itinerary

Day 1

Please note that Days 2 and 3 might be switched depending on the Chef’s availability, as well as Days 5 and 6, depending on Truffle producer’s availability. If you prefer, the itinerary can start in Provence and end in Burgundy.

  • Arrival and transfer on your own to the village of Crèches-sur-Sâone in Burgundy. Check in to your accommodations.
  • Free time to explore.
  • This evening, a three-course dinner at the hotel.
  • Overnight

Day 2

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, a visit of a nearby winery with wine tasting.
  • Lunch on your own.
  • This afternoon, a cooking lesson with either Chef Frantz or Chef Richard. Guided by their imagination and the seasons, they will help you explore the famed local culinary tradition. Some of the dishes you might prepare: jambon persillé de Bourgogne, flan de foie gras aux escargots, cuisses de grenouilles aux fines herbes, poulet de bresse à la crème et écrevisses, and gaufrettes Mâconnaises (crème fouettée aux fruits de saison).
  • Dinner based on the courses prepared during the class.
  • Overnight

Day 3

  • Breakfast, then a free day for discovering the area. You might explore the Solutre Rock, the villages on the Mâcon-Beaujolais wine route, the Roman churches of Cluny and Tournus, Pierreclos castle and Cormatin, where the poet Lamartine, a native of the region, stayed.
  • Three-course dinner at the hotel and overnight

Day 4

  • Transfer on your own to Provence (about 280 miles). On your way, you might stop in Avignon to explore this charming city, home of the “Pont d’Avignon” and the “Palais de Papes.”
  • Check in to your accommodation in Moissac Bellevue.
  • Free time to settle in, followed by a wonderful three-course dinner at the hotel.
  • Overnight.

Day 5

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, free time to explore. You might drive north to see the stunning scenery of the Lac de Ste Croix.
  • On your way back, visit a local truffle producer of the area for a visit and tasting.
  • This evening, enjoy a five-course “truffle dinner” at the hotel.
  • Overnight.

Day 6

  • Breakfast.
  • Free morning, and time to explore. You might head south to visit the seaside (and its famed Saint Raphael and Saint Tropez).
  • On your way back, visit a local winery with wine tasting.
  • Three-course dinner at the hotel.
  • Overnight.

Day 7

  • Breakfast and departure on your own.
  • À bientôt!

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